Powwow at Conifer

Conifer Estates, Bemidji Facility for Red Lake/Leech Lake Long-term Homeless, Hosts Community Powwow and Picnic.

Just behind the baseball fields near Bemidji Middle School, nestled among the pines, is a place called Conifer Estates, a supportive housing project put together with collaborative effort by several governments and agencies, including Red Lake Nation, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and Bi-County CAP.

At about 3 p.m. on a beautiful Wednesday, June 12, 70+ residents, staff, and guests - about half of whom were small children - gathered near Conifer's office building enjoying the sun and the long awaited 75 degree heat.  

Conifer Estates: A Home for Everyone!!

To the rear of the building is a meeting room filled with hot dog and hamburger buns, chips, pickles, and more.  Outside the open back door, two charcoal grills are commandeered by Conifer's young, hard-working resident manager, a stern but gentle fellow known as Joe Van Horn, of Redby.  

Joe Van Horn, Resident Manager

The athletic Van Horn was grilling up dozens of burgers and dogs for those gathered.  To Van Horn's right, six or seven young children were seated at a round steel table chirping away like fledglings.  Behind them, several more played on a "jungle gym."  Laughing children were everywhere, now freed from their school desks, thoroughly enjoying their first day of summer on what could be argued was the first day of summer.

Ponemah Drum, Muskrat Lodge

Two Drums took position at the bottom of a dry "run-off" pond, a round depression not unlike a small amphitheater.  A drumbeat signaled a people to gather who then circled the drums.  To the right was Little Bear Drum made up of teens from Redby.  To the left was the Drum Muskrat Lodge of Ponemah.

Chad Nelson, Chief Property manager for DW Jones, left with Darrell Kingbird, Sr.

Chad Nelson, Chief Property manager for DW Jones began the program with a few words.  DW Jones manages the property.  "This is such a great turn-out," Nelson told the small crowd of neighbors and friends.  "As we celebrate our first annual powwow and picnic, we also celebrate what will be Conifer's first birthday next month.  My thanks to the staff here at Conifer and of course the tenants who have made this effort such a great success."

Salena Jourdain, BSU princess from Little Rock had planned to make an appearance, but was delayed at the last minute and unable to come.  Jourdain has been traveling with celebrated grass dancer, Larry Yazzi.

Darrell Kingbird, Sr., (center) Cultural Advisor from Ponemah Sits in with Muskrat Lodge

Darrell Kingbird, cultural advisor from Ponemah, would bless the food.  Kingbird, in his late 40's, explained in English the content of the prayer he would soon offer in Ojibwemowin.  Afterwards, he requested "an eagle song" from Muskrat Lodge, then joined them in song.

The short program over, a food line soon formed that snaked through the office building.  Neighbors, becoming friends, stood chatting and laughing unconcerned for the wait.  Most then would take the short walk to the far side of the amphitheater, where several tables nestled in the firs awaited.

Barb Meuers, Bi-CAP Case Manager

"I couldn't be happier about how this all turned out, the success of it," said Barb Meuers, Case Manager for Bi-CAP, who could not conceal her satisfaction and pride.  "We've been here not quite a year.  Families have moved in slowly over that time.  Some may know each other only in passing.  So this event is timely, the perfect opportunity to create a stronger community as neighbors - both adults and children - build trust and friendship." 

Alice Benaise, Case Manager for Red Lake Nation

"I started part-time at the Red Lake Homeless Shelter in January 2012, and was hired full-time in May when interviews began for occupancy here at Conifer," said Alice Benaise, case manager for Red Lake.  "My dedication and commitment to Conifer is due in part because I was there when our families first started moving in - and with very little belongings and no furniture.  It's wonderful to see how our families have flourished over this past year, and today we saw their sense of community as they all began to gather as our drums started beating."

Benaise, case manager for Red Lake, works on-site at Conifer every Tuesday.  Meuers, case manager for Bi-Cap, works Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, while case manager for Leech Lake, Sandy Kingbird, (Battle River) covers the office on Friday.

"We have monthly service provider meetings, and our families will approach any of us for assistance", said Benaise.  "We work hard at knowing what is happening at Conifer and pass along important information to each other.  This helps the three of us identify problem areas such as too much drinking, possible drug activity, poor parental supervision, etc., then to act quickly so we can address the issues before they get out of hand.  Conifer is also equipped with surveillance cameras which we rely upon, and make our residents aware of.  We are a well-working team who shares the responsibility of management and services to our clients."

Resident Manager Joe Van Horn with Leech Lake Case Worker Sandy Kingbird

Sandy Kingbird, case worker for Leech Lake confirmed Benaise's observations.  "Alice, Barb and I not only work together well, we like and respect each other," said Kingbird.  "This camaraderie helps us help our residents by designing programs in life-skills training, money management, etc.  We also act as liaisons between residents and social agencies to help them get on their feet, if needed."

Benaise concluded by thanking Leech Lake and Red Lake Gaming for providing all the food for the event, and others who gave small donations. 

Conifer Estates: Serving Eligible Tribal Members and Long-Term Homeless
On a single day in 2009, 393 people were known to be homeless in the Northwest Region of Minnesota, including 235 children and youth through age 21. As the economy worsened and homelessness increased, housing leaders in Beltrami initiated a planning process to bring a supportive housing project into the community. 

Bi–CAP long-term homeless workers dropped by.  Left to right Barb Meuers, Jenn Noble, Matt Phelps, Kirk Karstens

Conifer Estates, which grew out of the planning process, is a collaborative effort between Headwaters Housing Development Corporation (HHDC), Beltrami County HRA, Red Lake Nation, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and Bi-County Community Action Programs, Inc. (Bi-CAP).  The 20-unit development consists of 16 supportive, three transitional housing units, and one caretaker's unit, all designed to successfully house homeless families.   Red Lake HRA and Leech Lake HRA each hold the master lease for five units and sublet these 10 units to eligible tribal members.  The remaining nine units are available to other households experiencing long-term homelessness.

Conifer Estates residents have access to supportive services such as life-skills training, money management, employment referrals, counseling, and crisis intervention.  Tribal members can access additional services directly from their tribe.  Conifer Estates is the only housing development in the region for which two tribal nations and a local agency share in the management and delivery of services.

The project's concept was developed during a Tribal Roundtable regarding the need for affordable housing choices in Bemidji.  During the discussion, the Corporation for Supportive Housing suggested the group could try to secure bonding funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to create a supportive housing project.  The HHDC agreed to be the project developer and the Beltrami County HRA agreed to be the public owner.  The group faced many obstacles during the development process.   Among the difficulties was securing funding to develop Conifer Avenue, the road that now runs adjacent to Conifer Estates.  The City of Bemidji was a strong supporter of the project, providing funding that was essential for the road.

Memorial Ride Honors Red Lake Mourners

Memorial Unity Ride: Spirit Lake to Red Lake

Honors Victims & Families of Tragedy

It was with a heavy heart that Henry Skywater (Dakota) began his ride. This would be the last such ride — at least for Skywater – who began the rides back in 1993. "I'm getting too old for these long rides" he thought, but when he found himself sitting on the same horse that he rode on his first spirit ride in 1993, his heart lifted and he knew that it was meant to be. Thus began a 250 mile journey, Spirit Lake to Red Lake. 

Skywater and several horseback riders, runners and support staff would travel 20 to 30 miles per day beginning on August 6 and ending on August 18, 2012. The group would camp during their pilgrimage, at campgrounds, parks, but mostly farms — easier for the animals.  

"Although there are those along the way who donate gas and food, all participants are volunteers and pay their own way," said Skywater. "This is not a fundraiser, accepting money would be contrary to the 'spirit' of the ride." One farmer provided bison and invited the group to harvest what they needed from his garden. "We ask for nothing but leave it up to folks to donate if they like," said Skywater. 

Ride Requested by Red Laker

This particular ride was at the request of Red Lake member (now deceased) Gary Silk. Silk had encouraged the ride in honor of victims and families — and all those who grieved — as a result of the Red Lake Tragedy in March 2005.

Some of the riders visited Red Lake at the time of the tragedy. Silk had asked the riders to come to Red Lake again in honor of the mourners for healing. The riders vowed to return one day.

Years have gone by since the last "memorial" ride and many of the original riders from 1993 have passed. It was decided to ride from Spirit Lake in memory of those riders who have passed, and to make that promised return to Red Lake, in honor of those who suffered during the tragedy.

"It was time to honor Gary's request," said Skywater. "We gave our Ojibwe friend Gary Silk the name of Tatanka Chante' which means "Buffalo Heart in the Dakota language." Skywater went on to say that in honor of Silk they named the ride after him, "Tatanka Chante' and Those Loved Ones Who Left Us, Memorial Unity Ride," which describes the journey well.  

The Journey

The riders and runners started their journey at Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota on August 6 that culminated with a ceremony near the Red Lake Pow wow grounds on Saturday, August 18. The group started with 32 horses, but arrived at Red Lake with 22 horses and 15 or so runners/walkers, as some horses were not allowed to cross the Minnesota border. Along their journey, riders were approached by nonparticipants and asked to remember in prayer others who have suffered. 

All ages and all nations were on the ride

On Thursday, August 16 riders arrived at Frog’s Bridge having traveled from 7 Clans Casino near Thief River Falls. They were then shuttled to the Red Lake baseball fields for camping, then shuttled back in the morning to finish the 15-20 mile ride into the community of Red Lake - the journey finished.

And so on Friday, August 17 runners and horseback riders arrived at the fields near the Red Lake pow wow grounds in honor of victims, families, and all those who grieved during the Red Lake Tragedy. They were welcomed by many on this warm and sunny day; by children, the curious, mourners.

A reporter from Lakeland News mics up Henry

Ceremonies were held the following day on Saturday, August 18. Riders, runners and others gathered at Red Lake high school for a short memorial service and blessing. They then returned to the camping area where a larger ceremony took place, including the reading of names of Unity Riders who have passed, and all who requested to be remembered in prayer.

"First we thank Red Lake Nation for letting us enter their territory and camp near this sacred lake."

History

The first Unity ride grew out of a dream that the nephew of Henry Skywater, (Dakota) had in 1993. "He had the same dream twice," said Skywater, "where he saw ancestors in old regalia encouraging a ride to heal, and for unity for all peoples. After consulting with elders, we were told that rides should begin — to ride for unity and for healing." 

Riders gather round to hear the words of Henry Skywater

The Elders had more to say. It must be a spiritual ride and therefore it was emphasized that there would be no drugs, no alcohol, and no firearms.  

According to the consulted elders, all Nations would be welcome on the ride. Riders on this particular journey include non-Indians in addition to Dakota, Lakota, and Ojibwe peoples. There were African Americans and even a rider from England. 

Riders get ready to set up camp

Skywater is from Birdtail (reservation) Manitoba. The very first unity ride in 1993 started at Standing Rock, ND and went to the Birdtail reservation Manitoba. Several other Unity rides have gone on over the years. One (readers may recall) started at Wounded Knee and ended at the "Four Corners" in the Southwest.

The group also rode to Washington, DC, Skywater remembers, "But we couldn't enter the city on horseback without a permit at a cost of $250 per horse. We never ran into such a thing anywhere else we traveled. So we rode as far as the DC border in Virginia and shuttled ourselves to the Capitol."

Epilogue 

When asking who will speak on behalf of the ride, all point to Henry Skywater. But when approaching Skywater he denies leadership, saying he is "just one of many on a special ride." But he will concede that he may be one of the leaders, "mostly dictated by my participation in the first ride and so many since."  

Henry Skywater preps for an interview. "Shall I dress like an Indian or a Cowboy" he quipped.

As Skywater makes himself comfortable for an interview by Lakeland Public TV News, he says, "First we thank the Red Lake Nation for letting us enter their territory and camp near this sacred lake." Then he turned to the young reporter and quipped with a mischievous grin, "Should I dress like a cowboy or an Indian?" before opting for a cowboy hat over a headdress.

"We ride for those who have passed that were involved in previous unity rides, but also and more importantly this includes the victims and families of the Red Lake tragedy, and for anyone who might ask for prayers for a loved one on the ride," answered Skywater to the question.

"It's the way I understand it - right way or wrong way - is to release the Spirit of those passed."

"I tell those who ask, keep all the memories but there is no need to continue to mourn," Skywater counseled. "All we can do is pray for those who have suffered, but that it's okay to stop mourning. It's the way I understand it - right way or wrong way - is to release the Spirit of those passed. To help those who are still grieving."

Jay (Geraldine) Rosebear, of Ponemah is one who grieves. She lost a child in the tragedy and more recently is in mourning for a grandchild. Her mother encouraged her to be one of the many to volunteer as part of the Memorial Ride support team. Jay signed on as a cook and her son Tim Sumner says she is a good one.  "She makes the best fry bread around," he says, "ask anyone."  

An interview with Volunteer Jay Rosebear with one of her twin granddaughters who refused to say which one she was.

“When I was on the ride I just felt good," said Rosebear. “I finally went into accepting. The healing process started right away. This is a new experience for us.” And Rosebear had another "new experience" on the trail. Jay and her long-time companion Petie Thomas, got married in a traditional ceremony durning the journey with Skywater officiating.  Congratulations!

The Power of the American Indian Vote

Members of the Red Lake Political Education Committee meet with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar

With Labor Day fast approaching, so does the campaign season. I was thinking about this reputation that the Bemidji area has for racism. While one can make that case, one can also make a case for a growing progressivism. This is evidenced by the 151 sites that are posting Ojibwe/English signage in the area, and also the success of the "Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to Ask" series of presentations.

So then I thought about elections. The Bemidji area has elected Indians to public office and the DFL has nominated Indians for a variety of offices, mostly successful. This year, we even have what may be the first case of Indian running against Indian for a non-tribal office, in the history of the state of Minnesota. Clue: Beltrami County Commissioner, see below.

The Red Lake Political Education Committee was featured in a film produced by the U.S. Census

I’m not saying there isn’t much more to be done, but we have made progress over the past 20 years, and I know we can do more. Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth are all in positions to - if not elect outright American Indian candidates - to influence the outcome of several elections, including State Rep, State Senate, county and school board offices...IF we would just vote. 

Red Lake and other tribes in Minnesota consistently vote in greater percentages than the state as a whole, but we can do more. In Red Lake's case, perhaps a thousand more Red Lakers vote in tribal elections than vote in non-tribal elections, and the Red Lake Political Education Committee (RLPEC) estimates, there may be another thousand who don't vote at all. They are doing all they can to register those voters and get them to the polls.  

The Red Lake Political Education Committee holds candidate forums to assess the qualifications of candidates. Here candidates for Beltrami County Sheriff appear at Red Lake to an overflow crowd of Indians and non-Indians.

I believe in the power of Indians as candidates, as contributors, as campaign professionals, and as voters to bring about great change in our country.

Only when Indians are involved in the political process are they truly represented. When Indians make law and policy, the needs of Indian Country and all those less fortunate are not ignored.

Look for this bill board on Hwy 2 west near the Amigo Theaters late next month

RLPEC members believe that America needs people in public office who reflect the beautiful diversity of her people. It is unconscionable that the First Americans are too often the Last Americans to have their voices heard. We all need to support Indian candidates and office holders who understand Indian issues and are responsive to the needs of Indian Country. Only when Indians are effectively involved in the political process can they and their interests be truly represented, and it is only when Indians are united behind a common cause that effective political involvement becomes possible. 

Any rate here’s some successes we’ve had without thinking about it too much.  All the following are of American Indian descent.

Several Indians have served as Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Beltrami DFL, including Roy Nelson of Ponemah who was the first Indian County DFL Chair. Sally Fineday, Leech Lake, is the current Beltrami County DFL Associate Chair.

Several Indians have been elected delegates to represent Minnesota at Democrat National Conventions including Delores Cloud. On several occasions the Beltrami DFL has elected more Indians as state convention delegates than non-Indians.

Stephanie Cobenais, of Red Lake is very active in the Beltrami County DFL and has held several offices. She was elected to State DFL Board, and is a member of the state DFL Women’s Hall of Fame.

Elaine Fleming (above) was the first Indian elected as Cass Lake Mayor. Herb South, though not enrolled is of American Indian descent, was a Bemidji City Councilor, as is Derrick Houle a candidate for Bemidji City Council in 2012.

Joe Day, served several years as a Bemidji School District Board Member.  Of course, all Red Lake school board members are Indian.

Sandra King of Red Lake in Beltrami County, was the first Indian elected in Minnesota to a County Commissioner seat in 1996.

Quentin Fairbanks, an enrolled Red Lake member, succeeded Sandra King as Beltrami County Commissioner.

Tim Sumner, a Red Lake member from Ponemah is challenging Quentin Fairbanks for his seat on the Beltrami County Board. This is the first time (as far as we know) that two Indians have vied for election to any non-tribal office in a general election in the state of Minnesota.

DeeWayne Rongstad, an Ojibwe from White Earth served a couple of terms as Beltrami County Sheriff.

Irene Folstrom (Leech Lake) ran a very credible campaign for a highly contested DFL endorsement for District 4 Minnesota Senate in 2006, losing only after several ballots. She later ran for Bemidji Mayor.

DFLer Susan Allen was elected the first American Indian woman to serve in the Minnesota Legislature. She won 55 percent of the vote in Minneapolis’ 61B district in 2010. 

Allen’s parents came from the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations in South Dakota but they moved around a lot when she was young. She lived in several small towns and reservations in five different states by the time she was 14. 

Allen says she brings a unique perspective. She was a single mother relying on public transportation and public assistance programs to get herself through law school. And, she’s a lesbian. 

The Huffington Post reports she’s the first openly gay American Indian elected to any state legislature.

Harold “Skip” Finn, Leech Lake member, was the first Indian elected as a Minnesota State Senator, District 4, in 1990. 

Dick Tanner of Walker was the DFL endorsed candidate for District 4B state representative in the early 80's. Dick's daughter Evelyn Tanner was the DFL endorsed candidate for District 4B almost two decades later in 1998. Evelyn lost by only 250 votes out of 17,000 cast. Larry Kitto, (Lakota) was a DFL endorsed candidate for District 4A, (Bemidji) State Representative in the early 80's.

Linda Bedeau, Quentin Fairbanks, and Darrell Auginash, all Red Lakers ran credible campaigns for major party endorsement for state representative or senator.

Since 1848, nine American Indian men have served as legislators in Minnesota. Six of them held office while Minnesota was still a territory.  The famous author of Ojibwe history, William W. Warren was one.

William Whipple Warren

The Author of "History of the Ojibway Nation" and "History of the Ojibways," based upon traditions and oral statements, William Whipple Warren served in the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.  In 1850 he was a legislator with the Minnesota Territory and in 1851 elected a representative to the US Congress.

Charles Curtis

Charles Curtis served as 31st Vice-President of the United States of America from 1929 to 1933.  But few people know this - nearly half of Curtis' background was made up of American Indian stock. His mother, Ellen Pappan Curtis, was one-fourth Kaw, one-fourth Osage, and one-fourth Pottawatomie (as well as one-fourth French). Curtis spent part of his early life on a Kaw reservation, and is the first and only person with acknowledged non-European ancestry to reach either of the two highest offices in the United States government's executive branch.  He was also US Senate Majority Leader, President pro tem of the US Senate, US Senator of course, and US Representative from Kansas.  He was however a controversial Republican who had pros and cons as far as his support of Indian Country.